No great thing is created suddenly
A street scene in Athens, looking out from Hadrian’s Library, November 2019.
Here is a philosophical gem on designing a lifestyle, moment by immersive moment, from the first Greek Stoic philosopher, Epictetus.
“Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.
Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.
Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.
When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.
As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.
Give your best and always be kind.”
The Parthenon through the columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, November 2019
